The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

SPECIAL EVENT
MarsCon

Bust out that Storm Trooper costume that you've been saving for a rainy day and head down to the Holiday Inn Select in Bloomington for the nerdiest experience of your life. Today through Sunday geeks of all castes, affiliations and creeds will congregate for 72 hours of no-holds-barred antics and snort laughing at this annual Science Fiction convention. During the day, official activities such as panel discussions, vendor displays, lectures, autograph signings, performances, film screenings and much more abound. After hours, however, two floors of the hotel will boast open party rooms with varying themes -- most of them featuring plenty of alcohol and sassy, costumed nerds who will stop at nothing to get you to join their celebrations. In other words? Totally awesome! And luckily, what happens at a Sci-Fi Convention, stays at a Sci-Fi Convention...unless, of course, you write an article about one for Secrets of the City.

Friday 7 p.m. through Sunday 9 p.m., Holiday Inn Select, 3 Apple Tree Square, Bloomington, $25 one day, $55 for weekend.

ART
Co.Munity    

Music and art collide! Tonight electronic wonderkids Ghostband and quirky folksters The Parlour Suite lay the soundtrack to your art viewing. Six local artists, including Pat Callahan, Dennis Conrad, Ben Proell, Kate Van Cleve, Molly Wicks and Minneapolis art star John Grider, adorn the walls in a show that allegedly has more than a few "secrets." What could that mean? We're not sure, but if it's done with creativity in mind, then we're all for it. Mingle with the artists, swizzle light refreshments, and enjoy some stellar live music, while you're at it.

Friday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Capstone Gallery at FrameUps, 4325 Nicollet Avenue S., Minneapolis, Free

Extra: For more art openings this weekend, visit our friends at MplsArt.com
 
FILM
The Amazing Double Interlocking Polaroid System 3D Film Festival

Lately it seems we've been transported back to the 50's. We're not quite sure where the recent 3D nostalgia buzz arose from, but as long as it's here, we might as well embrace it! Besides, it's impossible to hate on the cheesy, hyped fan-tasm of interactive projection, especially when it come with such stylish props - 3D glasses! In theme with this sensational fad, the Parkway Theater presents a two-week affair chocked full of all the electrifying 3D film action you can handle. Premiering with flicks Gorilla at Large and the original Vincent Prince version of House of Wax, the festival showcases four more suspenseful classics through March 18th. Don't miss this quirky and visually engaging experience, perfect for cinematic lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Visit the Parkway Theater website for a full film schedule. -Juleana Enright

Friday, (through the 18th) 4:15 p.m., Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave S., Minneapolis, $10 individual tickets, $50 festival passes

SPECIAL EVENT
Bellanotte 5 Year Anniversary Weekend

This downtown Minneapolis fine dining and nightlife staple certainly has reason to celebrate! Five successful years of business in the bustling and competitive restaurant world is nothing to sneeze at, after all. This weekend, Bellanotte throws itself an epic birthday bash and invites you to share in their good fortune. On Friday, it's all about the girls at the "Sex in the City Ladies Night," featuring complimentary manicures and massages; free wine and appetizers from 8-10 p.m.; live model painting, music, drink specials, and more. Saturday is a little less girly, but a lot more glamorous with a secret celebrity guest tapped to show up, plus live art, music from DJ Kane, and drink and food specials all night long. Flip the bird to the recession and put on your fancy shoes -- this weekend's festivities definitely won't kill your bank account!

Friday & Saturday, 8 p.m., Bellanotte, 600 Hennepin Avenue, Downtown Minneapolis, Free

BENEFIT EVENT
Triple Platinum

This swanky party is where "fashion meets philanthropy" and where fists full of dollars go to a noble cause -- but they really just had us at "cake." Join your stylish do-gooder hosts, Three Angels Productions, as they put major sparkle on Bar Lurcat's already snazzy ambiance. Experience a "fashion face off" on the runway, featuring fashions from local boutiques Drama and VState, while nibbling decadent cake. And after you've had a few glasses of champagne, you'll be invited to bid your heart out for date with one of six sexy bachelors and bachelorettes up for auction. Tonight, take a queue from the event name, and dress to impress! Proceeds go to benefit the Domestic Abuse Project.

9 p.m., Bar Lurcat, 1624 Harmon Place, Minneapolis, Free